CM's copter to ferry patients

The helicopter of the Punjab chief minister will be used to immediately shift a patient in case of an emergency in central Punjab.

During a meeting with Emergency Services Secretary Dr Rizwan Naseer, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz sharif expressed her satisfaction on launching of the air ambulance project and directed official to take all possible steps for starting the rescue services on the motorways at the earliest.

Dr Naseer gave a briefing about the air ambulance project, including the pilot run.

Various matters with regard to shifting patients from Bahawalnagar and Mianwali through the air ambulance service were discussed.

The secretary informed the CM about the landing arrangements of air ambulance in various cities.

Matters relating to new airplanes for the ambulance service also came under discussion.

The secretary expressed his gratitude to the CM on granting permission to use the official helicopter in case of any untoward situation.

CM Maryam Nawaz said," Punjab holds the distinction of becoming the first province launching the air ambulance service. In case of a heart attack, head injury and spinal injury, the shifting of a patient to a big hospital within the golden hour is highly imperative. The shifting of a patient to a big hospital within the golden hour is a gigantic task."

The CM said, "The life of every patient is highly precious and patients dwelling in the far-flung areas can be shifted to a big hospital for their treatment through the air ambulance service. The air ambulance service is being launched for the facilitation of the people of Punjab as precious lives can be saved in an emergency situation.

She said the Rescue 1122 ambulance service will be available at the motorway interchanges. In case of an accident, the swift availability of the rescue ambulance service on the motorways will be possible.

She added," Punjab will be the first province to launch the ambulance service on the motorways. The province not only has become a role model in Pakistan but in South Asia with regard to timely provision of rescue services." Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman was also present on the occasion.

Meanwhile, CM Maryam Nawaz expressed her concern over flooding of houses due to hill torrents in Rojhan. She sought an urgent report from the commissioner of Dera Ghazi Khan in this regard.

The chief minister directed the authorities concerned to urgently carry out rescue and relief operations for the affected residents, besides taking measures for the evacuation of affected population and their livestock to safe places at the earliest.

Meanwhile, at least 11 people died, whereas 1,424 were injured in 1,313 road traffic crashes (RTCs) across Punjab during the last 24 hours.